What to Put in a Car Emergency Kit

Are you headed out on any summer road trips this year? They’re such fun but you do need to be prepared for them. One really important thing that I find so many people seem to neglect is a car emergency kit. It’s actually not only a necessity for long road trips but all year long! You never know when something might happen. (I know from experience.) Did you know that estimates from AAA state that 1 in 3 drivers will experience a roadside breakdown or other issue on the road each year? That’s just too high a chance to take!

You can purchase a ready-made car emergency kit or put one together yourself. Here’s what to put (or look for) in a car emergency kit:

Your CAA/AAA membership information.

I carry my card in my wallet but like to have a backup in my emergency kit or glove compartment.

A cell phone charging cord.

You probably carry your phone with you all the time but it won’t do you any good if it’s dead. Carry a cord that you can plug into your car and recharge it.

Automobile fire extinguisher.

It should include a rating for Class B and Class C fires as these are the most likely ones you would encounter with your car.

Three reflective warning triangles.

The ready made kits often come with only one. Three allows you to place them 50 feet apart to provide more of a warning to oncoming traffic. Roadside flares or glow sticks can also be useful.

Tire gauge.

For obvious reasons. You need to check the air pressure in your tires on a regular basis. This includes your spare tire.

Foam tire sealant.

I will warn you. I know of people using this as a temporary fix for their flat tire and then finding it has caused permanent tire damage. To me, it’s worth the risk if I am stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat.

Jumper cables.

Make sure you get the ones that are at least 10 feet long for the most versatility.

Multi-tool.

Most of the time, modern cars are not easily fixed with a simple screwdriver but a multi-tool can come in handy in many ways. I like the ones that include scissors, a few basic tools, and a knife.

Gloves.

You may want something to protect your hands.

Old rags.

Handy for cleaning up spills and a ton of other uses.

A waterproof flashlight.

Don’t forget to include some extra batteries.

Duct tape.

It really can fix almost anything.

Rain ponchos.

Include one for each person. You can add an umbrella or two as well but don’t include them INSTEAD of the ponchos. They aren’t nearly as handy in high winds and it’s impossible to hold an umbrella and change your tire at the same time if you’re alone with a flat.

No spill gas can.

Please don’t run out of gas. It’s one of the simplest roadside issues to avoid. But just in case you do, it’s helpful to have one of these on hand (assuming you can’t get CAA/AAA to bring you some).

Basic automotive fluids.

Keep some extra antifreeze, washer fluid, and engine oil on hand.

Spare car fuses.

I’ve had these come in handy more than once when encountering some sort of dashboard electrical issue while on the road.

Small foldable shovel.

I’ve used this to shovel snow and dirt away from my car when stuck.

Car escape tool.

This should be in your glove compartment not the trunk. These are inexpensive but could save your life if you need to break out your car windows or cut yourself or your family members free from their seat belts.

Towing strap.

I’ve personally never needed to use one of these but I can see there being emergency situations when it would come in handy.

Drinking water and non-perishable snacks.

Granola bars, energy bars, and dried fruit are all good options.

Ice scraper.

For winter, obviously.

Cat litter.

This works really well as a source of traction under your tires! Really!

More winter necessities.

Warm blankets. Spare mittens, gloves, hats. Extra pair of boots.

First aid kit.

I like to keep ours in the glove compartment. It’s much handier for those little injuries that might happen along the way. Include things like antacids and headache tablets.